Didak had 15 possessions and two marks in a carefully managed program spending most of the second half on the bench.
The 28-year-old underwent a shoulder operation last November to repair his pectoral muscle after injuring it in round 21 against Adelaide in 2010.
His shoulder was strapped for Friday night’s contest but the utility said he felt “pretty good” in his 2011 debut.
“I felt pretty good in my first game back,” Didak told CTV in the rooms after the win.
“That’s now three grand finals in a row…and another win.”
Didak admitted fatigue played a factor in the second half after falling victim to the hot start by both teams in the opening two terms.
“I was always going to play 60-70% depending on how I felt. It was pretty quick at the start so I spent more time on the bench in the second half.”
It’s fortunate timing for the utility, who after missing the opening three rounds of the NAB Cup, will be fresh ahead of round one.
“I didn’t miss the Perth trip too much because it’s a long flight.
“I haven’t played since the grand final so it’s good to be back.
“The recovery has been going really well. I got over the biggest hurdle, which is playing so hopefully I can continue playing without any hiccups.
“You have to tick off a lot of boxes with the rehab group and the last one for me was to play a game and start tackling.
“I just have to keep going.”
